(El Paso Times (TX) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) June 08--The El Paso Police Department is warning the public about a deceptive business practice allegedly being employed by at least one representative from a company calling itself Northstar Alarm.

A door-to-door salesman is approaching customers of other alarm companies and offering them a free upgrade, police said. The salesperson is telling customers that they are affiliated with whatever company they are currently contracted with. The unsuspecting consumer agrees to the upgrade and contracts with Northstar. That either voids the previous contract or enters them into another contract that they are unaware of, police said.

A manager with Northstar was contacted by police and said the practice is not appropriate and the company will address the issue. Any person who believes they may have been victimized should contact police at 832-4400.